Packers fan sues Bears over access

The way Russell Beckman sees it, the NFL’s oldest rivalry game is all about Bears and Packers fans.

So when the Bears allegedly denied him access to a pregame event at Soldier Field in 2016 because he wanted to wear his Packers gear, Beckman saw it as an affront to the spirit of the game and has now filed a federal lawsuit against the Bears.

“It’s the biggest rivalry,” said Beckman, a 56-year-old high school social studies teacher who lives in Mount Pleasant, Wis. “The excitement is Bears and Packers fans together, representing their teams. I could have worn something nondescript, but I’m there for the Packers-Bears game. I feel like the Bears are diminishing that.”

Beckman, a season ticket holder for both the Bears and Packers who is representing himself in the case, is not suing for financial damages except to recoup legal fees. He said he wants the Bears to reverse their policy and allow him to take part in on-field experiences at Soldier Field wearing his Packers gear, which has included dozens of green and gold beads and a Packers jersey.

A Bears spokesman said the team does not comment on legal matters.

Beckman’s lawsuit alleges he earned the reward of standing on the sideline during pregame warm-ups through a points system for season-ticket holders. Beckman also has owned personal seat licenses at Soldier Field since 2003.

A self-described “Packers fan who loves the NFL,” Beckman also holds season tickets at Lambeau Field. The Bears-Packers game is typically the lone game he attends at Soldier Field, giving away or selling tickets he does not use.

But he wants to secure the seats to ensure enjoying the rivalry game with his family every season.

He said he isn’t out to hurt the Bears’ reputation; he just wants to enjoy the entire experience while representing his favorite team.

“It’s something I paid for,” he said of the sideline experience. “I’m not on a noble crusade.”